Egg Freezing
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Egg Freezing
What is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where a woman’s eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use. It is a fertility preservation option for women who wish to delay pregnancy due to personal, medical, or professional reasons.
Why do women choose egg freezing?
Women may opt for egg freezing for various reasons, including:
– Delaying pregnancy while pursuing career or personal goals.
– Preserving fertility before undergoing medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, that may affect ovarian function.
– Managing age-related fertility decline.
What is the process of egg freezing?
The process involves:
1. Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected through a minor surgical procedure.
3. Freezing and Storage: The eggs are frozen using a technique called vitrification and stored in a specialized facility.
What are the success rates of egg freezing?
Success rates depend on factors such as the woman’s age at the time of freezing and the number of eggs retrieved. In Australia:
– Women under 35 have higher chances of success due to better egg quality.
– On average, 14 eggs are needed to achieve an 80% chance of having a baby for women under 35.
What are the costs of egg freezing in Australia?
Egg freezing is not covered by Medicare for elective (non-medical) reasons. Costs varies from clinic to clinic, with additional fees for storage and future use.
What do Australian guidelines recommend?
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and other national guidelines emphasize:
– Egg freezing is most effective for women under 35.
– Comprehensive counseling to ensure realistic expectations about success rates and costs.
– Ethical considerations and adherence to regulatory standards.
Are there risks associated with egg freezing?
Egg freezing is generally safe, but risks may include:
– Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) due to hormonal medications.
– Complications from egg retrieval, such as bleeding or infection.
– Emotional and financial stress associated with the process.
When should I consider egg freezing?
You should discuss egg freezing with a fertility specialist if:
– You are concerned about age-related fertility decline.
– You are undergoing medical treatments that may affect fertility.
– You wish to preserve fertility for personal or professional reasons.